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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called for calm among residents of Angwan-Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area, following the Sunday night attack.
Mutfwang made the call when he visited the scene of the attack yesterday in Jos. Gunmen on Sunday night invaded the community in a commando-style, leaving dozens dead and scores injured.
The governor, who called on the residents not to take the law into their hands, acknowledged the pain from the tragic incident and assured them that the situation was under control and being monitored by security agents.
“This is a painful thing for all of us. Angwan- Rukuba is a community that harbours every ethnic nationality in the Plateau. I personally have relatives that have lived in Angwan- Rukuba, therefore, this is a pain to all of us.
“It is not just a few people, I want to plead with you; please let us not take the laws into our hands, I beg you. By the grace of God, all these people will be given a decent burial. We will not allow any mass burial.
“We will make sure that we liaise with the families and give them a decent burial. They didn’t deserve to die like this, therefore, all that the families will require us to do, we will do it.
“As for those that are in hospitals, I want you to know that the government will take full responsibility for their medical bills. I am pleading with you to continue to trust us.
“Even the president is aware of this matter, we will follow it through and make sure that we get justice for the victims, by the grace of God.
“Please, I plead with you, leaders; please, I beg you, young people, let us not take the laws into our hands, I beg you. In the heat of your anger, please calm down.
“God will help us to address the issues around it, may God comfort all of us,” Mutfwang said.
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Meanwhile, Mutfwang has directed security operatives to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on motorcycle operations within Jos metropolis as part of measures to forestall further attacks.
Mutfwang, who gave the directive during a statewide broadcast yesterday in Jos, stressed that his government was resolute against any form of intimidation.
“Our commitment to strengthening security, we have convened a State Security Council meeting to review and reinforce our security architecture, ensuring it becomes more proactive and responsive to emerging threats.
“Consequently, I direct security agencies to strictly enforce the law banning Commercial Motorcycle Operators (Okada) within the Jos Greater Master plan, the Commissioner of Police will issue detailed guidelines in this regard,” he said.
Mutfwang, who reaffirmed his stance against all forms of insecurity, assured residents that his government would not cower in the face of intimidation, and therefore, urged all to remain law-abiding as the government was doing all it could to secure the state.
“Despite this breach of security, I want to assure you that Plateau State will not succumb to fear or intimidation. We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace.
“We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state. Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful.
“I want to commend the community leaders, youths, and residents of Angwan-Rukuba, as well as the wider Plateau populace, for their restraint and refusal to retaliate even in the face of provocation, your maturity and commitment to peace are deeply appreciated,” the governor stated.
He further urged all citizens to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate security agencies for swift action, adding that security was a collective responsibility.
” Let me assure you that every necessary measure is being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and safeguard lives and property across the state.”
